KP Sharma Oli

KP Sharma Oli (File Photo)
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Foreign Affairs KP Sharma Oli has said that the foremost priorities of the Government of Nepal are respect for democracy, rule of law and promotion and protection of all human rights.

Addressing the first session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, the Deputy premier said, “As victims of the violation of human rights in the past, many of us have experienced very closely how helpless and vulnerable one would become in the absence of any safeguard and protection of these rights.”

Oli said this at a time when the government is facing criticism for not taking strict action against people involved in rights violation and in suppression of the people’s movement of the country.

He said the government would give continuity to the ongoing efforts for sufficiently sensitising the security agencies and the personnel on the implication and importance of the observance of human rights norms and principles while exercising their duty.

He told the international community that the reinstated Parliament has made several historic pronouncements bringing all institutions under the authority of the people for the first time. Oli said the political developments in Nepal have ‘brightened the prospects for long-term peace and stability.’

Welcoming the creation of the Council as an important milestone, Oli said the real challenge before us is how to transform this body into a global forum for international cooperation, collaboration and dialogue on all human rights issues, according to state run news agency Rastriya Samachar Samiti.

Oli also expressed the hope that based on the principles of cooperation and interactive dialogue, the Council would be able to deal with the human rights issues from a long term and comprehensive perspective.

The Human Rights Council should give priority to strengthening the role of the national human rights institutions, because that would create a sustainable basis and strong national ownership for the protection and promotion of human rights, Oli added.

Shedding light on the developments that have taken place in Nepal, Deputy Prime Minister Oli said holding the elections for the constituent assembly in a free, fair and fearless atmosphere, management of weapons, consolidation of the newly reinstituted democracy and making peace sustainable are some of our preoccupations.

He added that the peace process ensuring protection and promotion of human rights, formulation and launching of programmes aimed at post-conflict reconstruction, rebuilding and rehabilitation were the immediate priorities of Nepal.

He also said Nepal looked forward to the international community for its continued support and cooperation to Nepal’s efforts to bring lasting peace and democracy.